Murrelets

Murrelets are small to medium seabirds in the auk family (Alcidae). They are closely related to murres and auklets and are among the more pelagic alcids, spending much of the year at sea and returning to land mainly to breed. Their plumage varies by species, but most have compact bodies and short wings adapted for diving.

Distribution and habitat: Murrelets inhabit the North Pacific and adjacent seas, with several species concentrated along the coasts of North America, Japan, and nearby islands. They forage in continental shelf waters and around offshore islands, and their breeding sites range from coastal cliffs to inland forests, depending on the species.

Diet and foraging: Murrelets feed primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. They dive from the surface to capture prey and often forage in productive coastal or shelf waters, sometimes forming large foraging groups.

Breeding and life history: Murrelets are mostly colonial breeders. A notable exception is the marbled murrelet, which nests high in old-growth trees in temperate rainforest along the Pacific coast, sometimes far from shore. Most other murrelets nest on rocky ledges or crevices and typically lay a single egg per breeding season. They are generally long-lived, with slow breeding, making population recovery sensitive to disturbances.

Conservation status: Several murrelet species are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, especially the destruction of old-growth forests used by some nesters, as well as introduced predators, oil spills, and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding habitats, reducing human disturbance, and monitoring populations.